Photo Credit: Dave Minuk (Illegal Curve)
The Rangers held their end of season media availability on Tuesday and former Jets captain Blake Wheeler spoke for a few minutes after his first season in New York concluded about his future, his recovery from injury and more.
Photo Credit: Dave Minuk (Illegal Curve)
Wheeler had spent 12 seasons in Winnipeg including six years as the captain before he was bought out by the Jets back on June 30th, 2023. As we wrote back when the buyout was announced Wheeler celebrated many milestones including playing in his 1000th NHL game. While not all of those games were with Winnipeg he left the franchise as the leader in a number of (Jets 2.0) categories including:
874 – games played
540 – assists
795 – points
11 – shorthanded goals
On July 1st he signed a one-year deal with the Rangers. After a slow start he ended up scoring nine goals with 12 assists for 21 points in 54 games. He was limited to that number of games because in mid February he suffered a gruesome leg injury that had him ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. Wheeler began skating again during the playoffs and was able to get into one game for the Rangers in their Eastern Conference Final series against the Panthers which they lost in six games.
In the end of season media chat he was asked if he wants to play again next season?
“I don’t know” he replied with a smile.
When asked what will go into making that decision he spoke about being involved in his kids lives and being around for them although he did say “I still love the game, still love to play”.
Asked if he’s ever said “I don’t know” to the question about playing he said:
“Well. I don’t know” with a big laugh.
He added that it’s different when you’re on a longer contract/still have term.
The Minnesotan has spent 16 seasons in the NHL starting out with the Boston Bruins back in 2008-09 where he was for two and a half seasons before he was dealt to the Thrashers during their last year in Atlanta. His time in Winnipeg was well documented and we shall see if he ends his career in New York or continues to pursue a Stanley Cup in what would be his 17th season.
If he does hang them up his career numbers are: 1172 GP 321 G 622 A 943 PTS.
That places him 11th on the All-Time assists list for US born players and 14th on the All-Time points list.
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